A number of areas within the school have been identified as needing immediate attention. These are:
Com 4 is unusable due to hardware failure. Reinstating this room is a priority
Issuing all staff with laptops to aid in the development of computer based lessons
Choosing appropriate netbooks/laptops for the students
Rationalisation of software within the school
With new computers for Com 4 needed immediately and the imminent arrival of laptops/netbooks for the students, it's important to make sure we purchase the correct hardware and software to suit the needs of our staff and students. Ideally this means installing and maintaining one type of system. At present the CEO is looking to implement PC based hardware utilising open source software. While this is a viable option the question is, is this the best option available?
To better understand the direction computer hardware should take within the school for both students and staff, we are asking for your thoughts and comments on what type of system should be deployed.
Below are the three main options available to us and some of the the pro's and con's for each. Over the next two (2) weeks your comments and input are invited.
Microsoft based windows PC
PRO's
For most staff / students these machines are familiar
Supported and maintained by the CEO
Hardware is relativley inexpensive
CON's
Microsoft Windows is expensive to purchase and maintain
Comes with very little extra software installed
Need to install a lot of extra plug-ins to make it compatible with most applications
Viruses and malware more prevelant with Windows based PC's
Laptops can be slow to start up from sleep mode
Open Source PC
PRO's
Similar hardware to a Windows based PC
Software is either inexpensive or free
Hardware is relatively inexpensive
Supported and maintained by the CEO
CON's
Software often has 'bugs' that cause malfunctions
Often little or no software support from manufacturer
Mac
PRO's
Reliable hardware and software
Few viruses and malware
Comes with other applications pre-installed
Battery life on laptops very good
Fast start up from sleep mode
Apple provide support for education institutions
CON's
More expensive
Many staff members may be unfamiliar with Mac's and how they work
Not supported and maintained by the CEO (The CEO has now acknowledged that the PC option may not be the only one and will provide support where necessary)
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In the Subject box type ICT Direction.
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ICT Direction
A number of areas within the school have been identified as needing immediate attention. These are:
With new computers for Com 4 needed immediately and the imminent arrival of laptops/netbooks for the students, it's important to make sure we purchase the correct hardware and software to suit the needs of our staff and students. Ideally this means installing and maintaining one type of system. At present the CEO is looking to implement PC based hardware utilising open source software. While this is a viable option the question is, is this the best option available?
To better understand the direction computer hardware should take within the school for both students and staff, we are asking for your thoughts and comments on what type of system should be deployed.
Below are the three main options available to us and some of the the pro's and con's for each. Over the next two (2) weeks your comments and input are invited.
Microsoft based windows PC
CON's
Open Source PC
CON's
Mac
CON's
To leave a comment on this topic click on the Discussion tab at the top of the page.
In the Subject box type ICT Direction.
Enter your message/comment/pro/con etc and click the Post button.